Montgomery County Community College Breaks Enrollment Record

From Montgomery County Community College:

POTTSTOWN - Credit enrollment continues to grow at Montgomery County Community College as increasing numbers of students seek affordable and flexible pathways to attain education and training. 

As of Oct. 10, 2011, MCCC’s fall headcount is 14,428 students – 54 more students than last year and the highest fall enrollment in the college’s history.

The increase builds on MCCC’s significant enrollment growth of close to 49 percent over the last decade.   

One reason for this sustained growth is an increase in the number of new students who are enrolling at the college each fall, as well as an increase in the number of students in the dual enrollment program, which enables students to earn college credits while they are still in high school. 

“Students are increasingly selecting community colleges as their top choice to start their education,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, President. “Montgomery County Community College’s affordability, coupled with quality transfer agreements with four-year colleges and universities and strong two-year career programs, enables students to get the high-caliber education they need to move forward at an outstanding value.” 

However, it’s not just traditional-aged college students who are enrolling at MCCC. Many unemployed or underemployed adult students are returning to school as a direct result of the economic downturn; others are returning to school to train for a second or third career. As a result, the College has seen an increase in the number of students who enroll part-time as opposed to taking the 12 or more credits necessary to be considered full-time. 

Another result of the economic downturn is a dramatic increase in students’ financial need. To date, 5,548 students have received financial aid awards for fall 2011, compared to only 4,950 at the same time last year.

In total, MCCC has awarded $43,510,780 in financial aid so far – an increase of more than 47 percent over last year. 

“While financial aid assists many students with the costs of college, we know that a significant student financial need still exists,” said Dr. Stout. “Montgomery County Community College remains committed to developing innovative programs and funding strategies that help to keep higher education as accessible as possible for members of our community.” 

Registration for late-start fall semester classes continues throughout October and November. Registration for spring semester classes starts on Oct. 27.